Cash Still Matters in the U.K. Cash use over the past 10 years has shifted around the globe. The same is true in the U.K., where cash use further declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, the RSA (Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) warns that a sudden shift to cashless would hurt older and vulnerable segments of society. To prevent that, the RSA is recommending legislation to protect access to cash. The RSA also recommends that banks provide education on how to use digital banking. In this innovative approach, “banking services and workshops should be provided through mob ..read more

Redefining Cash? It’s More than Bills and Coins The word “cash” brings to mind bank notes and coins. But we also use the term to mean something other than legal tender – usually in a comparative context. For instance, a car dealer will ask whether you’re financing a vehicle or paying with cash when “cash” means a check or bank transfer. When a financial advisor talks about cash vs. investments, “cash” refers to liquid funds in savings and checking accounts. But when cashiers at the point of sale ask if you’re paying with cash or credit, they’re talking about bills and coins. However, even at ..read more

Are We in a Recession? If So, Having Cash Helps  Ongoing stock market volatility and record inflation are fueling predictions of a recession. If the predictions are correct, both businesses and individuals will be looking to protect their liquidity and financial security. And one way to accomplish that is by having cash on hand.  In the context of a recession, “cash” typically refers to physical currency as well as liquidity in the form of savings and money-market accounts at your bank. These types of accounts help you avoid the stock market`s inevitable ebb and flow, and rid ..read more

Counter space is some of the most valuable real estates inside a retail store. An organized, neat counter with accessible Point-of-Purchase items projects care and intention to customers and may even convert them into lifetime shoppers.  However, too often retail counters are messy. Especially at small stores, it`s common to find cash drawers, scanners, printers, and monitors from different vendors, also known as “Pieces and Parts”- all tied together by an entanglement of Ethernet cables, power supplies and extension cords visible to shoppers. This can create a bad impression on y ..read more

Retailers are increasing their IT budgets and allotting a bigger portion of those budgets to innovation. They are investing in cloud-based and automation solutions to replace aging technology to meet customer demand for omnichannel experiences and cope with a severe labor shortage.  Five years ago, according to IHL, retailers were spending less than 20% of their IT budgets on innovation. Currently, the innovation share of the budget is as high as 40% in some sectors, specifically general merchandise stores (GMS) and hospitality, a recent IHL report reveals.  Retailers with sales gr ..read more

After two years, society has shifted to better navigate new COVID-strains, flexing social distancing rules and everchanging `new normals`. Now with a clearer path to the future, retailers should optimistically devise post-pandemic strategies that account for changes in customer behavior. The pandemic accelerated digital transformation in retail and helped reshape customer expectations. There is no going back. Three imperatives rise to the surface as retailers look toward the future: Deliver compelling in-store experiences Move forward with omnichannel technologies Give shoppers choices in ..read more

The cannabis market is enjoying explosive growth. Estimated at $28 billion in 2021, it is on track to reach $198 billion in 2028. For resellers serving the market, this translates to substantial opportunities to sell POS Solutions, including cash management, into the cannabis dispensary market (or vertical). Cannabis is a cash-dominated industry, so dispensaries need robust POS and cash management solutions, lest managers spend hours at the end of each day counting and reconciling cash. This need presents a good starting point for the conversation between a reseller and a dispensary ..read more

Anatomy of a Cash Drawer The cash drawer, in varying forms, has been a core component of the retail business for as long as people have exchanged money for goods. Any business accepting hard currency needs one but choosing the best cash drawer requires planning, consideration, and a little research. Drawers are available in a variety of models, colors, sizes, features, connectivity options, till configurations and construction materials. Determining which best suits your business requires an assessment of your specific needs:   What currency are you using?   What type of s ..read more

The coming New Year will be rife with change, including a new name for one long-standing point of sale company. Effective January 2022, APG Cash Drawer will officially drop “Cash Drawer” from its name and introduce a new tagline to become apg® – trust at every point.   Paul Griffiths, apg® President and CEO   This name change is just one part of apg’s overall strategy to emphasize the strength of its capabilities, growth, innovation, and commitment to helping customers around the world. But one thing isn’t going to change: apg® will continue to strive and work hard to make it eas ..read more

Cash Still Matters in the U.K. Cash use over the past 10 years has shifted around the globe. The same is true in the U.K., where cash use further declined during the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, the RSA (Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures and Commerce) warns that a sudden shift to cashless would hurt older and vulnerable segments of society. To prevent that, the RSA is recommending legislation to protect access to cash. The RSA also recommends that banks provide education on how to use digital banking. In this innovative approach, “banking services and workshops should be provided through mob ..read more